A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: CRAFTSMANSHIP AND CREATIVITY REDEFINED
“Under The Grand Palais Dome At FAB Paris, Jaquet Droz And Chantal Thomass Unveiled Ronde Des Baisers, Blending Timeless Elegance With Bold Creativity.”
BY SUNA MOYA - 23 DECEMBER 2024
“A Dazzling Fusion of Jaquet Droz Watchmaking Artistry and the Bold Design of Chantal Thomass.”
Art Horloger Suisse depuis 1738
jaquetdroz
jaquet-droz.com
Renowned French fashion designer celebrated for her distinctive contributions to haute couture, lingerie design, and her signature blend of cabaret glamour, vintage nostalgia, and modern boldness.
chantalthomass
madamechantalthomass.com
Beneath the majestic dome of the Grand Palais in Paris, a breathtaking celebration of artistry and innovation unfolded during FAB (Fine Art La Biennale) Paris, the premier art exhibition. Amid the grandeur of the Grand Palais, the first floor hosted an exclusive private showcase featuring the much-anticipated unveiling of Ronde des Baisers. This extraordinary horological masterpiece—an emblem of exceptional craftsmanship and creative synergy—marked a visionary collaboration between the renowned watchmaker Jaquet Droz and the iconic designer Chantal Thomass.
With over 250 distinguished international guests in attendance, the evening radiated elegance, celebrating the seamless fusion of creativity, ingenuity, and timeless style.
As guests arrived, they were captivated by Jaquet Droz’s unparalleled watchmaking artistry, perfectly complemented by Chantal Thomass’s couture creations and objets d’art. A trailblazer in fashion, Thomass is celebrated for her unique blend of cabaret glamour, vintage nostalgia, and bold modernity. Her designs empower women to embrace their strength, sensuality, and individuality, weaving unapologetic femininity with playful charm. Beyond fleeting trends, her legacy endures as a symbol of empowerment and timeless allure.
Since its founding in 1738, Jaquet Droz has epitomized poetic ingenuity and masterful craftsmanship. Established by Pierre Jaquet-Droz in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the brand gained early fame for its sophisticated automata—mechanical marvels that enthralled European royalty with intricate movements and lifelike animations. Over nearly three centuries, Jaquet Droz has continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking, blending tradition with innovation to craft timepieces that are both technically advanced and artistically profound.
From its signature Grande Seconde design to the intricate métiers d’art techniques adorning its dials, every Jaquet Droz watch tells a tale of elegance and precision. This legacy finds a bold and harmonious counterpart in Chantal Thomass’s audacious creative vision, culminating in their remarkable collaboration.
The Ronde des Baisers transcends traditional watchmaking, capturing the magic of kisses—stolen, cherished, or secret. Each intricate detail reflects this enchanting theme, with cascading heart-shaped lips over a striking grid forming a bold optical illusion. Thomass’s signature palette of black, white, pink, and red enhances the design, while ribbon-like diamond settings evoke the delicate allure of lace. At its heart, the precision tourbillon movement exemplifies Jaquet Droz’s artistry, while the oscillating weight, bearing Thomass’s signature, embodies her fearless romantic style.
The celebration continued with a cocktail dinner at the Balcon de l’Horloge, where media, influencers, and devoted clients gathered to admire the collaboration. Thomass shared her joy in bringing the vision to life, offering insights into the creative process.
The evening culminated in the grand unveiling of Ronde des Baisers, an emblem of passion, innovation, and eternal elegance. More than a timepiece, it is a masterpiece—a harmonious union of two iconic creators. Together, Jaquet Droz and Chantal Thomass demonstrated that when craftsmanship and creativity converge, magic is born in the City of Lights.
— Suna Moya